full time np still wanting to do RN work?

[amalay, MSN, RN]

I'm a new PNP about 5/6 months into a full time outpatient position right now, and I'm enjoying it...BUT, I also miss the inpatient RN work. Now, i went to a direct entry RN/NP program from undergrad, so I've never actually been employed as an RN in a hospital setting. I've worked as an RN, just not so much in an acute setting, and I think this is a large part of why I still have that desire to work as an RN.

My current position is 8-9 hour days 5 days a week. Would it be crazy if I also wanted to apply for inpatient RN positions for the weekends? I would have no life....but then I also realized that the orientation period for inpatient RN work for a relatively inexperienced grad like me would also require a lot of time (that my full time won't allow).

Would I be crazy? Any other NPs who feel the same way I do?

[nyc2011]

Hello,

Hmm…this is interesting. I can see your perspective although you are right because it will take a lot of training (3 months or so) and that would be longer for you because you would not be able to commit to an RN position full time (bc if u don't do the training full time it will be longer..)

although I must say..I am a RN and in FNP school TRUST me there is a lot of stress that you hav skipped from never being a RN……I would focus on your NP role and get real good at it! Put your 110% effort in that….

[RNJill]

Enjoy your 8-9 hour days...I would not recommend trying to orient/work as an RN on the weekends. Yes, it is nice to have RN experience (I had a respectable amount before becoming an NP) but I would say that now that you are an NP you should focus on that role and avoid getting burnt out. Obviously if you're enjoying the NP role right off the bat then you are doing something right...in terms of your own personality/work ethic/job environment/skills/etc and I would be hesitant to make your schedule much tougher by adding in essentially another job.

[allennp]

You need to learn how to be a NP first. Then maybe find another NP job that fits. I question why you are a NP as well. Two different jobs you are discussing NP vs RN.

[amalay, MSN, RN]

Yeah, you are all right. I think it's because when I initially applied to nursing school, i had no idea what exactly I was applying for...I didn't really comprehend what an NP was at the time. But to be honest, I am loving my current job and I'm learning new things everyday. There is potential for me to go inpatient at this current job so theres always that if i still miss inpatient that much in a couple years. :) thanks fellow nurses!

[Qka]

I know NPs who work as RN like once a month, but they are experienced RNs and they work that once day because of the pay (double for extra).

But as a new grad I don't see it possible because of all education and orientation they will make you go through in the beginning. Plus, you won't be able to make you schedule when you are right after orientation.